Iloilo City has officially declared a state of calamity as the local government responds to a surge in dengue fever cases, following a resolution adopted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod on Wednesday, August 28, 2024.
This declaration makes Iloilo City the third area to enter a state of calamity due to the dengue outbreak.
The city council also approved three key resolutions: lifting the state of calamity for pertussis, declaring the dengue outbreak, and allocating the necessary budget for advocacy and response measures.
Councilor Rudolph Ganzon, chairperson of the Committee on Disaster Relief, emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that the rising dengue cases pose a significant threat to residents.
“The city anticipates an increase in cases as updated reports come in. The current situation in the barangays requires an urgent outbreak declaration to enable immediate assistance from the city government,” Ganzon stated.
According to data from the City Epidemiology Surveillance Unit, Iloilo City recorded a total of 945 dengue cases with five fatalities as of August 27, 2024, since January 1 this year. The most recent fatality was a 22-year-old from the Jaro district.
Out of the city’s 180 barangays, 62 are experiencing clustering of cases, with Barangay Mohon in Arevalo identified as the only area with no reported dengue cases.
In response, the city council has approved a budget of P7.04 million to purchase essential supplies, including chemicals for misting, motorized sprayers, dengue duo testing kits, and medical supplies for hydration.
These proactive measures aim to curb the spread of dengue and protect the health of Iloilo City’s residents.
